Sociology: A Brief Introduction

by Richard T. Schaefer, Robert P. Lamm

Three basic premises guide this highly successful introductory text--first that theory and research must be both comprehensive and clear, second that the text must show how the discipline is relevant both to the study of society and to students' lives and last, that it must stress critical thinking skills. A Brief Introduction does all three in a concise presentation that offers an alternative to full length books. All major theoretical perspectives and research methods are consistently represented in this thorough, readable presentation. The text takes a distinctive social policy emphasis that underscores the usefulness of sociological theory and research in understanding and resolving the issues facing the modern world.

Genres: Sociology, Textbooks, Reference, School, Nonfiction, Education, College

Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Nash]

When your bachelor's and master's are not in the field that you are planning to do your doctorate in, you know you're in trouble! ha ha ha (Looking left and right to see if my advisers are here.) But, well, I'm not afraid to tell you that don't be embarrassed to try to find a decent, comprehensive undergraduate textbook to jump start you with ideas. It is normally written for those who have absolutely no idea what they are in for. That sounds pretty much the case like most doctoral students anyway! I am grateful for the excellent world Professor Schaefer has done over the years. My version is slightly different than this one, probably two editions older and also an international version. But I'm sure he would only get better and better. Professor Schaefer manages to make a dreadfully difficult, theory-laden field like sociology sounds relevant, even remotely exciting! Suddenly, I sort of get a picture what I'm in for and not sort of lost as I have been when I tried some local textbooks! Don't be discouraged by the sheer size (it's almost like a coffee-table size), it is packed with fun facts at digestible portion. Moreover, there are a lot of pictures, graphs, charts, etc. I'm a visual person, remember? So this thing speaks to me really well. At more than 500 pages, it is too heavy to lug around unless you plan to use it as a weight-training tool. And to be seen with books with titles like Sociology may not sound as sexy as Nuclear Physics. So, it stays at home most of the time, remaining my loving companion when I get stuck and need some fresh ideas. It is very basic, though, mind you. And you have to wake up to the fact that you still have to do the "dirty work" yourself somewhere else. But Professor Schaefer has made your life much more simpler. So, for that, thank you, Professor Schaefer! :-)

[Ayla]

Overall it was informative, and made me think differently about interactions I had with people on a daily basis. My minor criticism was on the chapter on religion when they referred to Wicca as a quasi-religion ( almost, maybe?)most Wiccans and Pagans are still in the broom closet because of negative perceptions. The book traced the origins back to Gardner but in truth the religion goes back further than Christianity, back to the Celts and other ancient peoples. So besides that chapter, it was a good overall book for introduction to Sociology, not my major just a required.

[Red Haircrow]

Absolutely loved this book, and every minute of the course. Hella more people need to read and study sociology to help learn why they have the prejudices, biases and discriminatory practices they do, why they continue to be supported, and how to recognize and change society into a more positive direction.

[Vanessa]

The book served its purpose. I enjoyed the perspectives it offered, good examples and it certainly gave me a "brief introduction." This was my very first sociology course and I enjoyed it, the text added to the class and I can really appreciate that.

[Nada Obaid]

One of the best books that enhanced my overall view of the society. It demonstrates practical methods sociologists use to identify, classify and solve some of the problems we currently face among families, societies and nations in terms of gender, economics, equality, culture and much more :)

[Isabella Tugman - Audiobook Narrator]

I really enjoyed this textbook. Sociology is fascinating and useful in its own right, and this book is well-organized, entertaining, ad informative. I also really like the review and quiz sections following each chapter; they really help when studying for exams.

[Maria]

VERY HELPFUL

[narmeen]

Zabardast

[Chelsey]

It was okay. I really liked that there was a correlating website to read the book online and there were also practice tests for every chapter that adjusted according to your answers. The thing that bothered me the most was that it is a loose leaf book and I had to be super careful not to rip pages out of the binder I used to hold it together. Overall a good experience!

[Beniz]

It a good book

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[Emilio Valiente Sebastian]

I need to read this. I want this so badly.

[Rafik Bouziane]

cdr

[Kelley]

This book doesn't do a very good job of illuminating the Feminist sociological perspective.

[Abir Mahdi]

It is good

[Saraf Anika]

i want to reaD